Canadian Wildlife is an amazing and diverse ecosystem that attracts tourists from all over the world. There are many animals in Canada, but we’ll focus on the top animals that tourists commonly look for. From majestic bears to playful otters, seeing these animals in their natural habitat is a highlight of any trip to Canada.
The wildlife of Canada is a symbol of the country’s rugged beauty and vast wilderness. With its varied landscapes, Canada is home to a range of animals that are found nowhere else in the world. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top animals that tourists commonly look for when visiting Canada and where to find them. Whether you’re searching for grizzlies, belugas, moose, polar bears, humpback whales, bison, puffins, or wolves, there are plenty of amazing animals to discover in the Canadian wilderness. So, let’s dive in and explore the must-see Canadian wildlife.
The Grizzly Bears
Grizzly Bears are known for their distinctive hump on their back and long claws. These impressive animals can weigh up to 600 pounds and are found in many areas of Canada, particularly in the western provinces. Grizzly Bears are omnivores and feed on a wide variety of foods, including fish, berries, and small mammals.
One of the best places to see Grizzly Bears in Canada is in Banff National Park, Alberta. Banff is home to a large population of Grizzly Bears, and visitors can often see them grazing along the park’s roads and trails. In particular, the Lake Louise area of the park is a popular spot for Grizzly Bear sightings.
Other areas where Grizzly Bears can be seen include Jasper National Park and the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia.
Place to Stay
For visitors to Banff National Park, there are several accommodations near the Lake Louise area that provide easy access to Grizzly Bear viewing areas.
The Mountaineer Lodge is a cozy hotel located in the town of Lake Louise, just a short drive from the Lake Louise ski area and other attractions. For a more luxurious experience, the Post Hotel & Spa offers elegant accommodations, gourmet dining, and a full-service spa, all set against a backdrop of stunning mountain views.
Finally, the Lake Louise Inn offers a range of accommodations, from traditional hotel rooms to spacious suites, and is located just minutes from the Lake Louise ski area.
The Beluga Whales
Beluga Whales are known for their distinctive white coloring and playful personalities. These intelligent marine mammals can weigh up to 1,600 pounds and are found primarily in the Arctic and sub-Arctic waters of Canada. Belugas are social animals and are known for their vocalizations, which can include a variety of whistles, clicks, and chirps.
Churchill, Manitoba is one of the best places to see Beluga Whales in Canada. Churchill is located on the shores of Hudson Bay and is home to a large population of Beluga Whales that gather in the Churchill River estuary during the summer months. Visitors to Churchill can take boat tours to see the whales up close or even go kayaking alongside them.
Other areas where Beluga Whales can be seen include the St. Lawrence River estuary in Quebec and Cumberland Sound in Nunavut.
Place to Stay
For visitors to Churchill, there are several accommodations nearby that provide easy access to Beluga Whale viewing areas.
The Polar Inn and Suites is a comfortable hotel located in the heart of Churchill that offers guided tours to see the whales, as well as other Arctic wildlife. The Churchill Hotel is a modern hotel located in the center of Churchill that offers comfortable accommodations and easy access to whale watching tours.
Finally, the Seaport Hotel is a cozy bed and breakfast located just a short walk from the Churchill River, with comfortable rooms and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The Canadian Moose
Moose are one of Canada’s most iconic animals and are found throughout the country, particularly in the boreal forests and wetlands of the northern and eastern regions. These majestic animals are herbivores and feed on a variety of plants, including aquatic vegetation, willows, and birch trees. Moose are known for their massive antlers and impressive size, with adult males weighing up to 1,500 pounds.
The best places to see Moose in Canada is in Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario. The park’s vast forests and wetlands provide a perfect habitat for these magnificent creatures. Moose in Algonquin Park can be seen grazing along the park’s roads and trails, particularly during the early morning and late afternoon hours.
Other areas where Moose can be seen include Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador, Jasper National Park in Alberta, and Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia.
Place to Stay
When visiting Moose in Algonquin Provincial Park, visitors can stay at several accommodations near the park’s Moose viewing areas.
Arowhon Pines Resort is nestled in the heart of Algonquin Park and offers comfortable cabins and suites, as well as a restaurant that serves locally-sourced cuisine. Stouffermill Bed & Breakfast is a cozy and charming accommodation with comfortable rooms, delicious breakfast, and beautiful surroundings.
The Killarney Lodge offers cozy cabins and easy access to the park’s trails and wildlife viewing areas, making it a great place to stay when looking for Moose in Algonquin Provincial Park.
The Canadian Polar Bears
Canadian Polar Bears are one of Canada’s most iconic animals, known for their thick fur, powerful paws, and love for the Arctic sea ice. These magnificent creatures can weigh up to 1,500 pounds and are excellent swimmers. Polar Bears are carnivorous and feed on seals, fish, and other marine animals.
The best places to see Polar Bears is in Churchill, Manitoba. Churchill is known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World” and is located on the western shore of Hudson Bay. Every year, thousands of Polar Bears migrate to the area to wait for the sea ice to form, providing them with access to their primary food source.
Visitors to Churchill can take a guided tour to see the Canadian Polar Bears up close, either from a tundra buggy or by walking with an experienced guide.
Other places to see Polar Bears include Kaktovik, Alaska, where visitors can observe Polar Bears on the shore of the Beaufort Sea, and Resolute Bay in Nunavut, where visitors can go on a guided tour to experience Polar Bears in their natural habitat.
Place to Stay
When visiting Churchill to see Canadian Polar Bears, visitors can stay at several accommodations, such as the Aurora Inn, which offers cozy rooms and an on-site restaurant serving local cuisine. The Bears Den Guest House, which provides comfortable rooms and a variety of tours, including Polar Bear watching. The Lazy Bear Lodge, which offers rustic cabins with wood-burning stoves and a unique Northern Lights viewing experience.
The Humpback Whales
The Humpback Whales are one of the most majestic creatures in the ocean, known for their impressive acrobatics and haunting songs. These whales can grow up to 50 feet long and weigh up to 40 tons. Humpback Whales feed on krill and small fish and migrate to different parts of the world, including Canada, to mate and give birth.
The prime spot to see this Canadian marine life is in the waters off the coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. The area is known as the “Salish Sea” and is a prime spot for whale watching. Visitors can take a guided tour to see the Humpback Whales up close, either by boat or kayak. Humpback Whales can be seen in this area from May to October.
Other locations for Humpback Whale watching in Canada include the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, where visitors can witness the whales breaching and feeding, and the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park in Quebec, which is known for its deep fjords and whale-watching tours.
Place to Stay
Visitors can stay at several accommodations, such as the Tofino Resort + Marina, which offers comfortable rooms and easy access to whale watching tours. The Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, which provides luxurious accommodations with stunning ocean views. The Pacific Sands Beach Resort, which offers cozy beachfront cabins and easy access to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
The Bison
Bison, also known as American Buffalo, are an iconic symbol of the North American wilderness. These majestic creatures can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and stand over six feet tall at the shoulder. Bison are herbivores and are often found grazing in grasslands and prairies.
In Canada, Elk Island National Park in Alberta is among the greatest locations to watch bison. One of the largest and healthiest herds of plains bison in the world, the park is home to a herd of more than 400 animals. To observe these wonderful Canadian Wildlife up close, visitors can either take a self-guided tour or drive through the Elk Island National Park on their own.
Other popular locations to see Bison in Canada include Banff National Park in Alberta and Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba.
Place to Stay
Visitors to Elk Island National Park can stay at several accommodations near the park’s bison viewing areas.
The Days Inn by Wyndham Edmonton Downtown provides cozy rooms and convenient access to the park, making it an ideal option for those who want to explore the park without having to travel too far. The Comfort Inn & Suites Sherwood Park offers homey accommodations and complimentary breakfast, providing a comfortable and affordable stay.
For those looking for a more luxurious experience, the Four Points by Sheraton Sherwood Park provides contemporary rooms and an on-site restaurant, perfect for those who want to relax and unwind after a day of Canadian wildlife viewing.
The Atlantic Puffins
Atlantic Puffins are small, colorful seabirds that are often referred to as “clowns of the sea” because of their distinctive appearance. These birds have black and white feathers with bright orange beaks that make them easy to spot. They are found along the coast of Eastern Canada and the United States, particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador.
At Witless Bay Ecological Reserve in Newfoundland, you can watch Atlantic Puffins in one of the greatest locations in Canada. Over 260,000 breeding seabird pairs, including Atlantic Puffins, are found in the reserve. From May to September, tourists can take a boat cruise to witness these birds in their native environment.
Machias Seal Island in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are two other popular places to watch Atlantic Puffins in Canada.
Place to Stay
Visitors who come to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve to watch Atlantic Puffins can stay at a number of hotels close by.
Bears Cove Inn is a cozy rustic inn with breathtaking views of the ocean, while Elaine’s B & B By the Sea offers charming and comfortable rooms with stunning views of the nearby ecological reserve. The Bread & Cheese Country Inn is an elegant historic property featuring tastefully decorated rooms, scenic gardens, and gourmet meals made with locally-sourced ingredients.
The Wolves of Canada
The Wolves of Canada is one of the most recognizable species, wolves are renowned for their majesty and ominous howling. Although they can be found all over Canada, these very clever and gregarious animals are most frequently seen in the northern parts of the country.
Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario is one of the greatest spots in Canada to watch wolves. Eastern Timber Wolves, which are bigger and heavier than their western counterparts, have a sizable population in the park. To boost their chances of spotting these elusive animals, tourists can go on a self-guided wildlife viewing drive or a guided wolf howl walk.
Jasper National Park in Alberta and Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba are two additional well-liked spots to watch the wolves of Canada.
Place to Stay
Visitors who want to see the wolves of Canada in Algonquin Provincial Park can stay at several accommodations located near the park.
Pine Springs Retreat offers luxurious amenities such as a hot tub and steam room, while Little Hawk Resort & Marina provides cozy cabins and outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. The Killarney Lodge is a historic and rustic lodge with comfortable cabins, a dining room serving fresh, locally-sourced meals, and guided canoe trips.
The Canadian Sea Lions
The Canadian Sea Lions, also known as the Steller sea lion, is a large marine mammal known for its playful and social behavior. They have a thick, golden-brown coat and can be found in large groups along rocky coastlines.
A prime location for observing Canadian sea lions in their natural habitat is the coast of British Columbia, specifically around Vancouver Island. Key spots include the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve. Other areas in Canada to witness these creatures are the Haida Gwaii archipelago and the Great Bear Rainforest.
Place to Stay
For accommodations near Vancouver Island, consider staying at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, a historic, luxurious hotel known for its elegant architecture and afternoon tea; the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, a charming oceanfront property offering stunning views and an on-site spa; or the Oak Bay Beach Hotel in Oak Bay, a beautiful boutique hotel with a seaside mineral pool and excellent dining options.
The Canadian Bald Eagle
The Canadian Bald Eagle is a majestic bird of prey, easily identified by its white head and tail contrasting with its dark brown body. These powerful birds have a wingspan of up to 2.3 meters (7.5 feet) and are known for their incredible hunting abilities.
One of the top spots to see Canadian bald eagles is Brackendale, British Columbia, known as the “World Eagle Capital.” The annual winter gathering of eagles can be observed from December to February along the Squamish River. Additional locations in Canada for bald eagle sightings include the shores of the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick and the Cape Breton Highlands in Nova Scotia.
Place to Stay
When visiting Brackendale, consider staying at the Executive Suites Hotel & Resort in Squamish, a contemporary hotel offering spacious suites, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant; the Sandman Hotel & Suites Squamish, featuring comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, and a complimentary hot breakfast; or the Sunwolf Riverside Cabins, cozy riverside cabins nestled in the forest, providing an immersive nature experience.
Conclusion
Canadian wildlife offers a unique and diverse experience for visitors. Whether you are seeking the thrill of encountering a predator in the wild, the beauty of watching seabirds in their natural habitat, or the serenity of listening to wolves howl at night, Canada’s wildlife has something for everyone.
With its vast wilderness and protected habitats, Canada is the perfect destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the natural world. So, come and explore the wonders of Canadian wildlife and discover the beauty of nature in its purest form.